Leaving five children dead in Mingli and one in Afti village, Marwah Tehsil in the mountainous, Kishtwar district has been hit by a deadly measles epidemic, affecting dozens of others.

Measles, which also goes by the name of rubella, is a highly contagious though rare respiratory infection caused by a virus.  Causing skin rash all over the body and flu-like symptoms that include fever, cough, and runny nose, it is not always fatal if treated in time.

Confirming the spread of measles in the Warwan area, amidst reports of measles cases reported in the Kishtwar district, the district administration and health department have sent a team of doctors for treating children affected by the epidemic.

Jasbir Singh, Director Health Services states that a team of doctors headed by a Block Medical Officer, equipped with 400-doses of measle medicine have been despatched to Afti and Warwan areas, located in the far-flung and remote corners of Kishtwar.